1) NASCAR has gone about as far away from its roots as possible and somehow expanded its fan base; that in itself deserves some scientific study.
2) I'd agree with the "prefer drags and rally" comment except I'm only good for about one drag event a year, then it becomes reruns.
3) IRL &/or CART ... can only tell them apart by the (spec) engine manufacturer's name painted on the side and I'm not even sure it is still CART. They're interesting ONLY because of the drivers themselves and Patrick makes that cut. Almendinger (sic) on the other hand seems to be the real deal as well as a better story.
4) It's not true that finishing 24th means no one has a right to pull for a driver; if Yates could field a decent team Sadler would be in the chase. People like Kyle Petty despite the fact that he couldn't find first place if his father was driving. One of my all time favorites was Cecil Gordon, anybody remember him?
5) Don't knock advertising on the cars, it's the only reason Jarret has a job.
6) Everybody WANTS to see a competitive female driver, everybody WANTS to see a competitive black driver; once it gets done one time (as in drags, tennis, golf) you'll see more.
7) There is no valid explanation for Derrik Cope or Formula 1.
it isn't CART anymore- it is called Champ Series Racing...they will probably merge with the IRL for the '08 season...
CART of the late 90's is the blueprint of how to destroy an affluent sport....
As far as Kyle Petty, he got into the sport because it was expected of him. He actually became a reasonably decent race driver. But IMHO, he has never, ever, ever, ever had the fire in his belly to do this that his daddy had and that the great drivers had, and his career has reflected that.